MASH Practitioner (Homelessness Specialist)
Suffolk County Council
Ipswich, UK
Published today
Full Time
Job Description
Reimagine the possibilities
Your role and responsibilities
As part of Suffolk's Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), you will:
You will need experience of signposting support to children and families or similar.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP). If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don't meet all the requirements, please apply. We'd appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
What we offer
Suffolk's Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) brings together key agencies and their data into a secure, co-located unit focused on assessment, research, and decision-making. It acts as the first point of contact for new referrals to Children's Social Care and safeguarding concerns for Adults at Risk of Abuse.
The MASH team conducts initial risk assessments and triages service requests in line with agreed referral and service thresholds. This collaborative approach ensures timely and informed safeguarding decisions for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
This post supports the work of the multi-agency team, building on strong interagency collaboration across Suffolk. You will work closely with professionals from health, police, Early Help, probation, education, and housing to deliver effective safeguarding responses.
Working in Suffolk MASH offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and adults. While the role is fast paced, it is also highly rewarding. Emotional resilience is essential to navigate the challenges of this dynamic environment.
Empowering Everyone
We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Ibilola Badru for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473265869 or emailing Ibilola.Badru@suffolk.gov.uk
If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (docx)
Step 2 - Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.ukor calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 17 November 2025
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
About Us
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you'll enjoy:
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
- Suffolk County Council
- Address: Landmark House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5PB - Hybrid
- Salary: £34,434 - £40,777 per annum (pro rata if part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Contract: Fixed Term or Secondment (12 months)
Reimagine the possibilities
Your role and responsibilities
As part of Suffolk's Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), you will:
- Support Multi-Agency Collaboration: Contribute to the effective functioning of the multi-agency team, strengthening interagency partnerships across Suffolk with key stakeholders including health, police, Early Help, probation, education, and housing services.
- Homelessness Assessments: Conduct joint homelessness assessments for 16- and 17-year-olds in collaboration with housing authorities.
- Information Gathering and Decision Making: Collect and analyse information from partner agencies to support safeguarding decisions, under the supervision of a Consultant Social Worker.
- Direct Engagement with Families: Communicate with children, young people, parents, and carers where concerns have been raised. Apply Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership (SSP) thresholds to determine appropriate responses and interventions.
- Safeguarding and Risk Identification: Identify risks and safeguarding concerns, escalating them immediately in line with established protocols.
- Liaison with Housing Services: Build and maintain effective working relationships with housing authorities to support vulnerable young people.
You will need experience of signposting support to children and families or similar.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP). If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don't meet all the requirements, please apply. We'd appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
What we offer
- Be at the Forefront of Innovation: Play a key role in the ongoing development of Suffolk's Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), contributing to pioneering approaches in safeguarding practice.
- Professional Growth: Gain valuable experience and expertise in multi-agency working and early intervention, enhancing your professional development in a collaborative environment.
- Broaden Your Safeguarding Knowledge: Benefit from opportunities to deepen your understanding and skills in safeguarding across both Children and Young People's Services and Adult and Community Services.
Suffolk's Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) brings together key agencies and their data into a secure, co-located unit focused on assessment, research, and decision-making. It acts as the first point of contact for new referrals to Children's Social Care and safeguarding concerns for Adults at Risk of Abuse.
The MASH team conducts initial risk assessments and triages service requests in line with agreed referral and service thresholds. This collaborative approach ensures timely and informed safeguarding decisions for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
This post supports the work of the multi-agency team, building on strong interagency collaboration across Suffolk. You will work closely with professionals from health, police, Early Help, probation, education, and housing to deliver effective safeguarding responses.
Working in Suffolk MASH offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and adults. While the role is fast paced, it is also highly rewarding. Emotional resilience is essential to navigate the challenges of this dynamic environment.
Empowering Everyone
We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Ibilola Badru for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473265869 or emailing Ibilola.Badru@suffolk.gov.uk
If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (docx)
Step 2 - Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
- Describe a time when you worked collaboratively with professionals from different agencies (e.g., health, police, education, housing) to safeguard a child or vulnerable adult. What was your approach and what was the outcome?
- Tell us about a situation where you identified a safeguarding concern. How did you escalate the issue and what steps did you take to ensure the safety of those involved?
- Describe your experience of working with young people presenting as homeless or at threat of homelessness. How did you build relationships with partners/housing authorities to support positive outcomes?
- Working in MASH can be fast-paced and stressful. Can you describe a time when you had to manage competing priorities or a challenging workload? How did you maintain your emotional resilience?
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.ukor calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 17 November 2025
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
About Us
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you'll enjoy:
- up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).